Cheesy Tortilla Meat Bake is a delicious, comforting casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a simple layered dish with ground meat, tortillas, cheese, and a flavorful sauce—like a Tex-Mex lasagna! It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Here’s a simple recipe for a Cheesy Tortilla Meat Bake:
Cheesy Tortilla Meat Bake Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or pork)
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel) or plain diced tomatoes
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1 can (4 oz) green chilies (optional for extra heat)
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1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning mix)
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 cup salsa (mild or medium, depending on your preference)
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6-8 small flour or corn tortillas, cut into quarters (or use tortilla chips if you prefer a crunchier texture)
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend of cheese)
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1 cup refried beans (optional, for extra creaminess)
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1/2 cup chopped green onions or cilantro (for garnish, optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Filling:
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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat.
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Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
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Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, green chilies (if using), and taco seasoning. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
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Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. If the mixture looks too thick, you can add a little water or broth to thin it out.
2. Assemble the Casserole:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Spread a thin layer of salsa at the bottom of the baking dish.
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Layer tortilla quarters (or tortilla chips) over the salsa, covering the bottom completely.
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Spoon half of the meat mixture over the tortillas, spreading it out evenly.
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Add a layer of refried beans (if using), then spread half of the sour cream over the beans and meat.
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Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
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Repeat the layers with another set of tortilla quarters, the remaining meat mixture, the remaining sour cream, and finish with the remaining cheese.
3. Bake the Casserole:
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Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
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After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is hot throughout.
4. Serve:
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Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing into it. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired.
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Serve with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or salsa.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Tortilla Meat Bake:
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Add Extra Veggies: You can sneak in some extra vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn, into the meat mixture to make it even more filling and nutritious.
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Use Tortilla Chips: If you want a more crispy, Tex-Mex feel, use tortilla chips instead of tortillas. Just be careful not to use too many, or it will get too crunchy!
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Make Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or covering with foil.
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Cheese Variety: Try using a blend of different cheeses for more flavor—Monterey Jack, Colby, or Queso Fresco are all great options.
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Spice it Up: Add some jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce to kick up the heat!
This Cheesy Tortilla Meat Bake is an easy, hearty, and satisfying dinner that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it to the family or bringing it to a gathering, it’s the perfect comfort food. Enjoy!